Boots or Shoes

sherriawright · 07-04-2009, 01:47 AM

My new mare is almost perfect, the only problem if you can call it that is she hates to walk on rocks or hard surfaces. She is and has always been barefoot, she is 9 years old.

I do not ride her alot in those areas, usually just crossing the road or down a gravel road. She will walk along side it, but throws a fit if she has to walk very far on a hard surface. The people who I was riding with said she had tender feet and I need to get her shoes.

I was wondering however if boots would be a better option. 90% of what I ride on is sand/dirt.

What do you all think?

Lady_MCSE · 07-04-2009, 04:27 AM

There are several people at my barn who are using boots, and they like them a lot. Wish I could share brands, but I'm not sure enough to say.

Especially if you rarely do the hard stuff, then boots should be a good option, and cheaper than shoes in the long run. (Expensive to start up, but you keep them for multiple uses.)

qhrterhorsn girl · 07-04-2009, 04:50 AM

My mare is just like that.. even with shoes on. We have tried the boots but she keeps loosing them and they are so expensive. So my farrier gave me the most unusual idea, and it works. She is shoed all the way around, and when we go out we spray foam insulatioin on the bottom of her feet, wrap them with duck tape, and take off, the insualtion hardens and makes like a pad. When we get back unwrap take the hoof pick out and pop the insulaton out. Works like a charm and she is much happier if we are on rocks or gravel.

dixiesmom · 07-04-2009, 06:06 AM

Dixie had her first lengthy ride with her boots (just fronts for the time being) last week and I was pleased. I got the Cavallo Simple Boots with pastern wraps. They're not difficult to put on - I did have to redo one pastern wrap as it had a wrinkle and that can rub, but got it right second application. She chose to stay in the middle of the gravel road which she would NEVER have done without boots. She also did not seem phased by the boots and they stayed on the whole time, didn't rotate at all and were in great condition after a wash. Haven't had them long enough to say about time and wear, but after one good use, I am pleased!! The most important thing is getting an accurate measure before you order. Ideally you measure after a trim and most boot websites have instructions. I measured multilpe times and seems to be a good match - last week she was 5 weeks out from a trim. Also measure ALL feet you're booting as they can indeed be different sizes. I will say my last horse was ouchy on rocks and he was front shod. That was one of my big motivators to try boots because they give whole foot coverage. Oh, we did cross one very small creek as well. The Cavallos have "drain holes" on each side of each boot.

This site is a used boot site which has links to most boot makers with measuring instructions as well:

http://www.naturalhorsetrim.com/boot_swap.htm

BarnBum · 07-04-2009, 07:18 AM

I also agree w/ using boots. Like previously mentioned, its cheaper in the long run when you consider farrier expense w/ shoes. I have used Old Macs and they have done us good on mounted patrol. No rubs, or anything. Like Dixiesmom said, measure before a trim. Have your farrier do help you out.

Morgan Horse · 07-04-2009, 08:44 AM

We have had good luck with the easyboot epics. Our TB is like that and the look on his face when we put them on him for the first time and walked across gravel. He stepped out expecting it to hurt but when it didn't he was happy to walk on gravel. But make sure that you have one with the gaiters on them. That will help keep the boot on better and make sure the fit is snug. Go on thier website and explore they have a bargin bin.. Boots are like half price.. Goodluck.

fishing_trex · 07-04-2009, 07:51 PM

I like the EasyBoot Epics as well. They are lighter than most others so don't affect my horses gait.

singing tree · 07-04-2009, 09:30 PM

I am also an easy boot believer. I have used them for years for driving on the road, and once in awhile for trail riding. I feel like my horses are more likely to get their feet toughened if that is at all possible. It will not happen if they are shod. I also like the idea that the foot can move in and out much easier. I compare it to wearing a tight shoe on my own foot. When I buy a horse with shoes, they come off as soon as it is time for a trim, and then it usually takes some time for the horse to get less ouchy. My foxtrotter was one who did not like any time of rocky situation, so for him my farrier left his foot a little longer than normal and he was much better.
As for price, the easy boots easily pay for themselves. That being said, if your horse strikes, you will have trouble, because they can be pulled off. I always take a hoofpick along to put a boot back on, but that seldom happens, at least with mine.
I would only shoe a horse if it was going to be on hard surfaces so much that the boots became a hassle because they do take some time to put on and off.

Danni L · 07-05-2009, 01:37 AM

i'm also curious, would they stay on for say a long ride trot/canter? through mud?

BarnBum · 07-05-2009, 05:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danni L

i'm also curious, would they stay on for say a long ride trot/canter? through mud?

Old Macs have stayed on thru it all, mud, water, sand, etc...
They do have a little weight to them, hence they are reccomended
by the mftr not to wear them for lengthy period of times. Each boot
is diff. I think the endurance riders like the Easy boots.

mdDVM · 07-05-2009, 06:48 AM

I ride trail and limited distance endurance. Down south, my mare was always able to go barefoot, even on 25-35 mile races without an issue, but after moving up here to NW GA and having to ride on very rocky mountain trails, she was getting a little "ouchy" and short strided. I am a firm believer in keeping a horse barefoot when at all possible. I think it makes for a much healthier and sounder horse in the long run (I do realize there are individuals who's feet just won't hold up without shoes, but those are exceptions...)
Long story short: Bought a pair of Renegades. At first I tried using only a pair on the front, which helped, but I could tell my horse was a bit reluctant to push trough her hind end while climbing, etc, so I got a rear pair too. I LOVE these boots. We ride through mud, creeks, rocks, tall grass, woods and brush, on gravel roads, deep sand, jump over logs, you name it. These boots don't slip, don't rub, don't come off, are exteremely easy to put on, take off and very easy to clean. They're easy to fit/measure for, and they even come in fun colors

. I would highly recommend Renegades to anyone. They are little more expensive than some of the other boots out there but quality, comfort to the horse and ease of use makes up for that easily!

Newmoon nurse · 07-05-2009, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sherriawright

My new mare is almost perfect, the only problem if you can call it that is she hates to walk on rocks or hard surfaces. She is and has always been barefoot, she is 9 years old.

I do not ride her alot in those areas, usually just crossing the road or down a gravel road. She will walk along side it, but throws a fit if she has to walk very far on a hard surface. The people who I was riding with said she had tender feet and I need to get her shoes.

I was wondering however if boots would be a better option. 90% of what I ride on is sand/dirt.

What do you all think?

We have recently started using the Easy boot. Great! Even if the fit isn't perfect, will not rub or bother the hoof. I have PMUs and spotted draft horses. trail ride mostly on sand, hate shoes, but needed something so we could go else where. Easy to use, horses love them.

Newmoon nurse · 07-05-2009, 04:59 PM

Easy Boots are the answer!

Clippity-Clop · 07-05-2009, 09:30 PM

Good info here! I've been thinking of trying out some easy boots too. I have a friend who swears by them in all kinds of terrain and says they hold up pretty good too. Most of my horses go barefoot but we want to trail ride in different areas and you just never know if you haven't been there before what you will run into. Also, someone mentioned they keep a pair of boots on hand in case they throw a shoe.

ColorMyWorld · 07-06-2009, 08:13 PM

My mare's like that. She gets really ouchy over gravel or rocky uneven surfaces, but since I don't ride them that much, I don't need shoes. I don't like shoes in most cases anyway. She didn't do good with shoes, plus they get expensive.
I got her Old Mac's just up front and now she's totally fine over rocks. And usually when I ride her on the road, she just walks and doesn't like going over that. With her boots she wanted to canter.

fishing_trex · 07-08-2009, 09:43 AM

I should point out that different boots fit differently, depending on the shape of your horse's foot. For example, Boot A may fit oblong feet better than others, and Boot B may fit round feet better than others. EasyCare can help you decide which boot might be best for your horse.

Pata · 07-09-2009, 02:56 PM

EasyCare says their Epics last 500-1000 miles. I'm probably in the 700 mile range and I replaced the gaiters ($40 total, I think) and they're still good to go. If I were to have put shoes on my horse during that time, I probably would have spent somewhere around $600...rather than roughly $200. Definitely economically better, plus better for their hooves and overall soundness (I should be getting paid for being a spokesperson

)

For8tune · 07-12-2009, 11:59 PM

I am glad i found this thread. I have been debating the same thing. Just one question, has anyone had any issues with their horses tripping or falling while wearing the boots and can they still trot, canter and gallop as normal?

singing tree · 07-13-2009, 12:04 AM

Everything is normal as far as gaits go, but the sound. Instead of clip clop, it is plop, plop.

dixiesmom · 07-14-2009, 07:55 PM

I don't do more then walk so I can't say about gaits, but Dixie hopped over a creek with boots on. She never even reacted to them when I put them on her. I expected some sort of "woa what's this on my feet?" but when I set her feet down, nothing at all.

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07-04-2009, 01:47 AM
sherriawright Yearling Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Pekin, Illinois Posts: 634	Boots or Shoes My new mare is almost perfect, the only problem if you can call it that is she hates to walk on rocks or hard surfaces. She is and has always been barefoot, she is 9 years old. I do not ride her alot in those areas, usually just crossing the road or down a gravel road. She will walk along side it, but throws a fit if she has to walk very far on a hard surface. The people who I was riding with said she had tender feet and I need to get her shoes. I was wondering however if boots would be a better option. 90% of what I ride on is sand/dirt. What do you all think? __________________ Illinois, where our Governors make our license plates!

07-04-2009, 04:27 AM
Lady_MCSE Seasoned Join Date: May 2005 Location: Shytown, IL Posts: 4,519	There are several people at my barn who are using boots, and they like them a lot. Wish I could share brands, but I'm not sure enough to say. Especially if you rarely do the hard stuff, then boots should be a good option, and cheaper than shoes in the long run. (Expensive to start up, but you keep them for multiple uses.) __________________ "A pun is its own reword." — Dance Drier, British comedian

07-04-2009, 04:50 AM
qhrterhorsn girl Halter broke Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Gainesville, VA Posts: 95	My mare is just like that.. even with shoes on. We have tried the boots but she keeps loosing them and they are so expensive. So my farrier gave me the most unusual idea, and it works. She is shoed all the way around, and when we go out we spray foam insulatioin on the bottom of her feet, wrap them with duck tape, and take off, the insualtion hardens and makes like a pad. When we get back unwrap take the hoof pick out and pop the insulaton out. Works like a charm and she is much happier if we are on rocks or gravel. __________________ The outside of a horse is good for the inside af me!!

07-04-2009, 06:06 AM
dixiesmom Weanling Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: North Carolina Posts: 434	Dixie had her first lengthy ride with her boots (just fronts for the time being) last week and I was pleased. I got the Cavallo Simple Boots with pastern wraps. They're not difficult to put on - I did have to redo one pastern wrap as it had a wrinkle and that can rub, but got it right second application. She chose to stay in the middle of the gravel road which she would NEVER have done without boots. She also did not seem phased by the boots and they stayed on the whole time, didn't rotate at all and were in great condition after a wash. Haven't had them long enough to say about time and wear, but after one good use, I am pleased!! The most important thing is getting an accurate measure before you order. Ideally you measure after a trim and most boot websites have instructions. I measured multilpe times and seems to be a good match - last week she was 5 weeks out from a trim. Also measure ALL feet you're booting as they can indeed be different sizes. I will say my last horse was ouchy on rocks and he was front shod. That was one of my big motivators to try boots because they give whole foot coverage. Oh, we did cross one very small creek as well. The Cavallos have "drain holes" on each side of each boot. This site is a used boot site which has links to most boot makers with measuring instructions as well: http://www.naturalhorsetrim.com/boot_swap.htm

07-04-2009, 07:18 AM
BarnBum Kid Safe Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sunshine State Posts: 5,850	I also agree w/ using boots. Like previously mentioned, its cheaper in the long run when you consider farrier expense w/ shoes. I have used Old Macs and they have done us good on mounted patrol. No rubs, or anything. Like Dixiesmom said, measure before a trim. Have your farrier do help you out. __________________ *Life is a coin, you can spend it anyway you wish, but you can only spend it once.*

07-04-2009, 08:44 AM
Morgan Horse Weanling Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Calgary Posts: 397	We have had good luck with the easyboot epics. Our TB is like that and the look on his face when we put them on him for the first time and walked across gravel. He stepped out expecting it to hurt but when it didn't he was happy to walk on gravel. But make sure that you have one with the gaiters on them. That will help keep the boot on better and make sure the fit is snug. Go on thier website and explore they have a bargin bin.. Boots are like half price.. Goodluck.

07-04-2009, 07:51 PM
fishing_trex Greenbroke Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 3,429	I like the EasyBoot Epics as well. They are lighter than most others so don't affect my horses gait. __________________ -- There are two ways to slide easily through life -- to believe everything or to doubt everything. Both ways will save you from thinking.

07-04-2009, 09:30 PM
singing tree Long Yearling Join Date: May 2009 Location: Hartville, Ohio Posts: 1,025	easy boot user I am also an easy boot believer. I have used them for years for driving on the road, and once in awhile for trail riding. I feel like my horses are more likely to get their feet toughened if that is at all possible. It will not happen if they are shod. I also like the idea that the foot can move in and out much easier. I compare it to wearing a tight shoe on my own foot. When I buy a horse with shoes, they come off as soon as it is time for a trim, and then it usually takes some time for the horse to get less ouchy. My foxtrotter was one who did not like any time of rocky situation, so for him my farrier left his foot a little longer than normal and he was much better. As for price, the easy boots easily pay for themselves. That being said, if your horse strikes, you will have trouble, because they can be pulled off. I always take a hoofpick along to put a boot back on, but that seldom happens, at least with mine. I would only shoe a horse if it was going to be on hard surfaces so much that the boots became a hassle because they do take some time to put on and off.

07-05-2009, 01:37 AM
Danni L Yearling Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Red Deer,Alberta Posts: 627	i'm also curious, would they stay on for say a long ride trot/canter? through mud? __________________ Rain- gorgeous grey 6 year old mustang, just getting started under saddle Guido-adorable yearling Appaloosa Sport Horse

07-05-2009, 06:48 AM
mdDVM Halter broke Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Dalton, GA Posts: 76	I ride trail and limited distance endurance. Down south, my mare was always able to go barefoot, even on 25-35 mile races without an issue, but after moving up here to NW GA and having to ride on very rocky mountain trails, she was getting a little "ouchy" and short strided. I am a firm believer in keeping a horse barefoot when at all possible. I think it makes for a much healthier and sounder horse in the long run (I do realize there are individuals who's feet just won't hold up without shoes, but those are exceptions...) Long story short: Bought a pair of Renegades. At first I tried using only a pair on the front, which helped, but I could tell my horse was a bit reluctant to push trough her hind end while climbing, etc, so I got a rear pair too. I LOVE these boots. We ride through mud, creeks, rocks, tall grass, woods and brush, on gravel roads, deep sand, jump over logs, you name it. These boots don't slip, don't rub, don't come off, are exteremely easy to put on, take off and very easy to clean. They're easy to fit/measure for, and they even come in fun colors. I would highly recommend Renegades to anyone. They are little more expensive than some of the other boots out there but quality, comfort to the horse and ease of use makes up for that easily!

07-05-2009, 04:59 PM
Newmoon nurse Newborn Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Apopka,FL Posts: 6	Easy Boots are the answer!

07-05-2009, 09:30 PM
Clippity-Clop Coming two Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,662	Good info here! I've been thinking of trying out some easy boots too. I have a friend who swears by them in all kinds of terrain and says they hold up pretty good too. Most of my horses go barefoot but we want to trail ride in different areas and you just never know if you haven't been there before what you will run into. Also, someone mentioned they keep a pair of boots on hand in case they throw a shoe. __________________

07-06-2009, 08:13 PM
ColorMyWorld Halter broke Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Northeast Ohio Posts: 50	My mare's like that. She gets really ouchy over gravel or rocky uneven surfaces, but since I don't ride them that much, I don't need shoes. I don't like shoes in most cases anyway. She didn't do good with shoes, plus they get expensive. I got her Old Mac's just up front and now she's totally fine over rocks. And usually when I ride her on the road, she just walks and doesn't like going over that. With her boots she wanted to canter. __________________ Holly-7 year old paint, 14.1-trail horse, gaming Glory-4 year old paint mare, 15.1, future dressage horse and jumper Mocha:10 year old sorrel bs paint, trail riding Mercy:12-15 year old welsh cross, rescued from auction Lakota: Mercy's surprise colt

07-08-2009, 09:43 AM
fishing_trex Greenbroke Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 3,429	I should point out that different boots fit differently, depending on the shape of your horse's foot. For example, Boot A may fit oblong feet better than others, and Boot B may fit round feet better than others. EasyCare can help you decide which boot might be best for your horse. __________________ -- There are two ways to slide easily through life -- to believe everything or to doubt everything. Both ways will save you from thinking.

07-09-2009, 02:56 PM
Pata Halter broke Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Western Colorado Posts: 106	EasyCare says their Epics last 500-1000 miles. I'm probably in the 700 mile range and I replaced the gaiters ($40 total, I think) and they're still good to go. If I were to have put shoes on my horse during that time, I probably would have spent somewhere around $600...rather than roughly $200. Definitely economically better, plus better for their hooves and overall soundness (I should be getting paid for being a spokesperson) __________________

07-12-2009, 11:59 PM
For8tune Yearling Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Monroe, GA Posts: 553	I am glad i found this thread. I have been debating the same thing. Just one question, has anyone had any issues with their horses tripping or falling while wearing the boots and can they still trot, canter and gallop as normal? __________________ Proud Mom to a Spoiled Rotten Arabian Gelding ~Fame Fortune~ http://www.allbreedpedigree.com/fame+fortune

07-13-2009, 12:04 AM
singing tree Long Yearling Join Date: May 2009 Location: Hartville, Ohio Posts: 1,025	Everything is normal as far as gaits go, but the sound. Instead of clip clop, it is plop, plop.

07-14-2009, 07:55 PM
dixiesmom Weanling Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: North Carolina Posts: 434	I don't do more then walk so I can't say about gaits, but Dixie hopped over a creek with boots on. She never even reacted to them when I put them on her. I expected some sort of "woa what's this on my feet?" but when I set her feet down, nothing at all.